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Associated Students of the University of Washington |
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A Resolution Opposing Current Biofuel Policies Whereas the ASUW student body supports “environmentally-friendly transportation measure[s]” and “research and development of 'green' technologies” at the UW; and (1) Whereas ASUW has resolved to also “support any measure that would decrease pollution and increase the usage, research, and commercialization of renewable energy sources at the University of Washington;” (1) and Whereas recent peer-reviewed scientific studies have determined that “almost all biofuels used today cause more greenhouse gas emissions than conventional fuels,” (2, 3, 4, 5) and “you're worse off growing and using the biofuel than just using gasoline or diesel,” according to University of Minnesota professor David Tillman, co-author of the one of the studies; (6) and Whereas the current Washington State code has erroneously concluded that “biodiesel is less polluting than petroleum diesel;” (7)and Whereas being made aware of the potential negative effects of biodiesel, the UW has slowed its ramp up to the increased use of biodiesel in its fleet to allow time for additional research; and Whereas despite the UW's actions, the planned state-mandated increase to use 20% biodiesel (B20) will take place on June 1, 2009 for all WA state-owned vehicles, which would have a detrimental impact on the Earth and contribute to climate change; (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON: That we urge legislators and concerned parties to repeal current policies mandating biofuels use in state-owned vehicles References: 1.Taken from 2008 ASUW Legislative Agenda 2."Biofuels Deemed a Greenhouse Threat," New York Times, February 8, 2008 http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/08/science/earth/08wbiofuels.html?ex=1360213200&en=45a8ef741f19284f&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink 3."Forget Biofuels—Burn Oil and Plant Forests Instead," New Scientist, August 16, 2007 http://environment.newscientist.com/article/dn12496-forget-biofuels--burn-oil-and-plant-forests-instead.html 4."BIOFUELS: Is the Cure Worst Than the Disease?" Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (consortium of world 30 richest nations, which analyzed 26 different biofuels, veg. oil on p. 35-36), September 11-12, 2007 http://www.rsc.org/images/biofuels_tcm18-99586.pdf 5."Biofuels Could Boost Global Warming, Finds Study," Royal Society of Chemistry (study was authored by Nobel prize-winning chemist Paul Crutzen), September 21, 2007 http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2007/September/21090701.asp Study: http://www.atmos-chem-phys-discuss.net/7/11191/2007/acpd-7-11191-2007.pdf 6."Doing It Wrong" Newsweek, February 11, 2008 http://www.newsweek.com/id/110636 7.Revised Code of Washington 43.19.642 finds that “Biodiesel is less polluting than petroleum diesel,” http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.19.642 8.“UW Pushes Forward with Biodiesel,” The Daily, February 6, 2008, http://thedaily.washington.edu/2008/2/6/uw-pushes-forward-biodiesel/. The freeze at B5 was confirmed via email correspondence with Mr. Kavanagh, (B5 is the lowest blend currently required for mechanical/technical reasons). 9.“Energy Law Alert: Washington State Adopts Minimum Renewable Fuel Content Requirements,” Stoel Rives LLP, April 4, 2006, http://www.stoel.com/showalert.aspx?Show=2316 10.“Biodiesel Use Requirement” Washington Incentives and Laws, last updated 5, 2007, http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/progs/view_all.php/WA/0 History of Legislation 05/1/2008: Submitted for consideration |
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